Parasite

Parasite is a prolific horror and science fiction film from the bustling entertainment crucible of the early 1980s. Dominated by an arresting narrative, the film features Robert Glaudini, Demi Moore in one of her earliest roles, and Luca Bercovici. This movie, unlike its 2019 namesake, doesn’t delve into socioeconomic issues but rather explores post-apocalyptic settings, creating frightful suspense and a captivating spectacle.

Directed by Charles Band, this film catapults cinemagoers into the year 1992. It might have been a relatively contemplative future expectation seen through 1982 glasses, but the audience is quickly met with a dystopian scenario where humanity is plagued with nuclear radiation and bombings, a depressingly daunting backdrop teetering on the edge of utter chaos. Although the predicament seems grim, the film retains a glimmer of excitement and curiosity, setting an ample stage for the narrative to extend into cyberspace, arsonist gangs, and scientific puzzling exploits.

The narrative features the lead character, Dr. Paul Dean, portrayed impeccably by Robert Glaudini. Paul works as a government scientist in a world suffering from an economic crash and a nuclear fallout. The labyrinthine plot thickens as he becomes the unfortunate carrier of a parasite that he was developing. This parasite, bred for manipulative reasons and designed as a government weapon, manages to inhabit Paul, becoming the nucleus of impending danger. This detail, coupled with the fact that the parasite is capable of duplicating and multiplying, creates an utmost sense of horror, heightening the thrill and anticipation of the unfolding story.

The plot progresses into a cat-and-mouse chase when Paul escapes the clutches of a corrupt government organization. This dash creates an undercurrent of riveting tension, amplified by his goal to destroy the parasite before it destroys him and potentially the remainder of the world. This return to basics of survival strikes a familiar chord, making the story all the more relatable despite the fictitious setting.

Part and parcel with the suspense is a consummate performance from a then-newbie Hollywood actress, Demi Moore. She plays the character of Patricia Welles, a lemon grower who encounters Dr. Paul Dean and becomes an integral part of the film's unfolding drama. Their meeting isn't simply a coincidence, but a pivotal moment that forms the crux of Parasite’s thrilling climax. Demi Moore’s Patricia brings a level of humanity and grounding in a world tilted on the eccentric and the extraordinary.

At its core, Parasite exemplifies the science fiction and horror genre that was so popular in the 80s - the thrill of the unknown, the wonder of exploring extraordinary worlds, and the gratification of suspense from red herrings, cliffhangers, and shocking revelations. The film involves uniquely imagined elements such as the parasite itself, with its daunting physical depiction and disturbing life cycle. The special effects foreshadow the sophistication of the technological age cinema would eventually traverse.

Utilizing the cinematic expertise of the time, Parasite effectively immerses the audience in the dystopian world with a use of 3-D, something quite significant for a film from the 80s. The eerie music score envelops the gloomy atmosphere intrinsic to the plot. The scenes are filmed in dark and somber tones, reflecting the desolation of the dystopian world, while the acting gives depth to the characters embodying the dystopia’s tragic implications.

On the whole, Parasite succeeds in weaving a tale of horror and suspense, imbued with the stark essence of a dystopian future. The film's title careens viewers headfirst into the world of parasitism, not just the biological entity at the heart of the tale, but also the metaphorical parasite of despotism and fear. From a satellite view, Parasite is more than just a horror flick; it is a chillingly imaginative exploration of a possible future, drawing on the primal horror of the unknown and the power of human resilience.